Every patient — from coping to hoping. Every donor or volunteer — from altruism to inspiration. These stories inspire our work and compel mission advocates to give financially, join the registry, volunteer or spread the word.
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A marrow transplant may be someone’s only hope for a cure. Learn how marrow donation works, the steps of a patient transplant, steps of donation, and factors that can impact the likelihood of finding a match.
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Be The Match® is a global leader in bone marrow transplantation. We conduct research to improve transplant outcomes provide support and resources for patients, and partner with a global network.
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FAQs about joining

For blood cancer patients, there is a cure. And the amazing thing is, it could be you. You could save a life by joining the Be The Match Registry®. Read these frequently asked questions to learn if donating bone marrow is right for you.

Why is there a need for people to join the Be The Match Registry?

Thousands of patients with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, sickle cell anemia or other life-threatening diseases depend on the Be The Match Registry to find a match to save their life.

Patients need donors who are a genetic match. Even with a registry of millions, many patients cannot find a match. To help more patients find a donor, we need to increase the ethnic diversity of the registry. To learn more, see How a Patient's ethnic background affects matching.

If I am between the ages of 18 and 44 why am I more likely to be called to donate?

If you are between the ages of 18 and 44, patients especially need you. Doctors choose donors based on what is best for their patient. When more than one potential donor is a good HLA match for a patient, doctors will also consider other factors, including the donor’s age. Research shows that cells from younger donors lead to more successful transplants. Doctors request donors in the 18-44 age group 85% of the time.

Can I still join if I’m over age 44?

Yes. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, meet health guidelines and are willing to donate to any patient in need, you can join the registry. Everyone on the registry is critical to saving lives. For all registry members, the most important thing you can do is stay committed, so if you’re selected as a match for a patient you’re ready to move forward.

If I am between the ages of 45 and 60, why is there a cost to join?

Doctors choose donors based on what is best for their patient. When more than one potential donor is a good HLA match for a patient, doctors will also consider other factors, including the donor’s age. Research shows that cells from younger donors provide the greatest chance for transplant success. Eighteen- to 44-year-olds are called to donate 85% of the time.

As a non-profit, we must use the funds given to us wisely. We focus on adding registry members most likely to donate to help save the most lives. If you are between the ages of 45 and 60 and want to join the registry, you’re welcome to join online with a $100 tax-deductible payment to cover the cost to join. There are many other ways to support the mission as well. Learn how.

Why does a person have to be 18 to join? Can't my parent sign the consent for me?

You must be 18 to donate because donation is a medical (for PBSC donation) or surgical (for marrow donation) procedure and you need to be legally able to give informed consent. Since donating unrelated bone marrow is a voluntary procedure, a guardian or parent cannot sign a release or give consent for someone under age 18.

If I'm over 60, why can't I join?

Age guidelines are in place to protect donors and provide the best treatment for patients. As we age, the chances of a complication resulting from any medical procedure increase. Because of this, the upper age limit for donation is 60. It is important to note that the age limit is not meant to discriminate in any way. Additionally, research shows that cells from younger donors lead to more successful transplants.

Does race or ethnicity affect matching?

Because tissue types used in matching are inherited, you are most likely to match someone of the same ethnic ancestry or ethnic background. Adding more members who increase the ethnic diversity of the registry increases the variety of tissue types available, helping more patients find the match they need.

To increase the diversity of the registry, we especially need members who identify as

Black or African American

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian, including South Asian

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

Hispanic or Latino

Multiracial

What is a bone marrow transplant?

Bone marrow transplant is a life-saving treatment for people with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, and other diseases like sickle cell anemia. First, patients undergo chemotherapy and sometimes radiation to destroy their diseased marrow. Then a donor's healthy blood-forming cells are given directly into the patient's bloodstream, where they begin to function and multiply.

For a patient's body to accept these healthy cells, the patient needs a donor who is a close match. Seventy percent of patients do not have a donor in their family and depend on the Be The Match Registry to find an unrelated bone marrow donor or umbilical cord blood.

How do I become a bone marrow donor?

The first step to become a bone marrow donor is to join the Be The Match Registry. Doctors around the world search our registry to find matches for their patients. If a doctor selects you as a match for a patient, you may be asked to donate bone marrow or cells from circulating blood (called PBSC donation).

How do I use the registration kit to collect a cheek cell sample?

When you join the registry, you will use our registration kit to give a swab of cheek cells. We will tissue type the sample you provide and use the results to match you to patients.

Once you join online, you will receive your kit in the mail. Instructions are included in your kit.

What is my commitment if I join?

When you join the Be The Match Registry, you make a commitment to:

Keep us updated if your contact information changes, you have significant health changes or you change your mind about being a donor

Respond quickly if you are contacted as a potential match for a patient

Donate to any searching patient who matches you

Be listed on the registry until your 61st birthday, unless you ask to be removed

You have the right to change your mind about being a donor at any time. Donating is always voluntary. If you decide you do not want to donate, let us know right away. That way we can continue the search for another donor without dangerous delays for the patient.

How likely is it that I will donate to someone?

Doctors choose donors based on what is best for the patient. About 1 in 430 members of the Be The Match Registry in the United States will go on to donate bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) to a patient. We cannot predict the likelihood that an individual member will donate because there is so much diversity of tissue types in the population. However, doctors request donors in the 18-44 age group 85 percent of the time. That's because research shows cells from younger donors lead to more successful transplants.

Every person who joins the registry gives patients hope, and new patient searches begin every day. You may never be identified as a match for someone, or you might be one of a number of potential matches. But you may also be the only one on the registry who can save a particular patient's life.

What is the donation process like?

Adult donors may be asked to donate in one of two ways:

Peripheral blood cell (PBSC) donation involves removing a donor's blood through a needle in one arm. The blood is passed through a machine that separates out the cells used in transplants. The remaining blood is returned through the other arm.

Bone marrow donation is a surgical procedure in which liquid marrow is withdrawn from the back of the donor's pelvic bones using needles. Anesthesia is always used for this procedure, so donors feel no pain during marrow donation. Most donors feel some pain in their lower back for a few days afterwards.

Can I get tested for a specific patient or family member?

When you join the Be The Match Registry, you make a commitment to donate to any searching patient who matches you. As a volunteer, you are never under any legal obligation to donate and your decision is always respected. However, because a late decision not to donate can be life-threatening to a patient, please think seriously about your commitment before deciding to join our registry.

You can request a copy of your own testing results after you join the Be The Match Registry. However, if you want to be tested only for a specific patient, you will need to have your testing done privately. You can contact the patient's transplant center or transplant doctor for more information.

I've already been tested for a family member. How can I add my results to the Be The Match Registry?

Get a copy of your human leukocyte antigen (HLA) tissue typing lab report and call 1 (800) MARROW-2. You will need to fill out a health history form to verify you meet medical guidelines. You will also need to sign a consent form agreeing to be listed on the Be The Match Registry. Once you are listed on our registry, we will contact you if you are identified as a possible match for a patient.

I think I may have already joined. How can I verify that I am on the registry?

Be The Match Registry is the new name for the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry. Whether you joined the NMDP Registry or the Be The Match Registry, online or in person, you are part of the same registry and do not need to join again. If you have previously given a blood sample or cheek cell sample to be tested for the registry, you do not need to join again.